The New York Knicks made a significant investment this summer by acquiring Mikal Bridges, surrendering five first-round picks in the process. His performance in the preseason finale against the Washington Wizards, however, raised eyebrows when he went 0-for-10 from the three-point line. Despite the uninspiring end to the preseason, Bridges' career statistics suggest that he’s more than equipped to rebound.
Shooting Woes in Preseason
Over four preseason games, Bridges shot a dismal 2-for-19 from beyond the arc. This type of shooting performance might rattle some players, but for a career 37.5% three-point shooter like Bridges, it is more likely to be a case of small sample size rather than cause for concern. His preseason struggles could simply amount to early-season jitters or adjustments to the Knicks' system.
A Reliable Career Shooter
Bridges' shooting pedigree offers a substantial safety net for Knicks fans. Since entering the NBA, he has never shot below 36.1% from downtown—a testament to his consistency over multiple seasons. There’s also the comforting statistic from last season, where Bridges took a career-high 7.2 three-point attempts per game and connected at a 37.2% clip while playing for the Brooklyn Nets. His ability to maintain efficiency with increased volume is a rare and valuable skill set in today’s NBA.
Catch-and-Shoot Specialist
A significant aspect of Bridges' game is his prowess in catch-and-shoot situations. Last season, he was the seventh-most active player in this category, taking 5.6 such attempts per game. Even more impressive is the 38.4% conversion rate he achieved, ranking him as the third-most efficient among players with similar or more attempts per game. Such skill undoubtedly makes Bridges a dangerous floor-spacing threat and integral to the Knicks' offensive schemes.
The Path to Consistency
Reflecting on his journey, Bridges acknowledged ongoing tweaks and adjustments to his shooting form since college. "Ever since I got into the league, been trying to fix it back to when I was in college," Bridges said. "So it's been seven years of just every day. When I came out of college, I kind of tweaked it a little bit. And then my second year in the league, I had the hitch, and tried to build back from that ever since. So just trying to get it right. Pretty much it."
Bridges' admission indicates an underlying work ethic and dedication to mastering his craft. The constant search for improvement is not unusual among the NBA's elite shooters, with many going through similar processes to maintain or elevate their performance levels.
Outlook
While preseason games can offer a glimpse into a player’s form, they seldom define seasoned professionals like Bridges. His track record over several NBA seasons provides a stronger indication of his capabilities and suggests that any current inconsistencies are likely temporary. The Knicks, aiming to leverage his shooting and defensive skills, will be counting on Bridges to find his rhythm as the regular season unfolds.
Given Bridges' history and the considerable assets the Knicks spent to acquire him, fans have every reason to remain optimistic. Though his preseason numbers may not reflect it, the combination of capability, work ethic, and previous NBA success positions Bridges as a valuable player in the Knicks' rotation for the upcoming season. The transition from preseason to regular season could be the turning point where Bridges transforms potential into performance, helping the Knicks' playoff aspirations come to fruition.